William T. Ditewig - Serving With Joy: Lessons From Pope Francis for Catholic Deacons Today

Serving With Joy

Lessons From Pope Francis for Catholic Deacons Today

Deacon Greg Kandra, Deacon Steve Swope, Father Frank DeSiano, C.S.P., Deacon James Keating, and Deacon William T. Ditewig

Edited by Silas S. Henderon

Abbey Press

Contents

E DITOR S P REFACE

At the beginning of his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis offered this observation: The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Churchs journey in years to come (1).

Some commentators have called these powerful words the manifesto of Pope Francis pontificate and they certainly seem to embody his message and mission. In many ways, Pope Francis has reinvigorated the faith of countless individuals and faith communities, inspiring them to discover new initiatives for evangelization and outreach even as they rediscover and celebrate timeless elements of the treasury of the Catholic Faith. We have seen this especially in renewed emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in challenging us to work for mercy and justice, in filial devotion to Mary, in the Year for Consecrated Life, and, most recently, the Jubilee Year of Mercy, all expressions of Catholic faith and devotion that are dear to Pope Francis.

In this small volume, weve brought together reflections on the spirit of Pope Francis from leaders in the deacon community in the United States. As formators, teachers, and men of prayer and service, these five authors share the fruits of their own engagement with the teachings and joy-filled spirit of Pope Francis, helping us recognize that deacons have a particular role to play in his vision for the Church.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you in your ministry of service and prayer: There is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit letting him enlighten, guide, and direct us, leading us wherever he wills. The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. This is what it means to be mysteriously fruitful! (Evangelii Gaudium, 280). It is our hope that the collective wisdom contained in these pages will be a blessing and encouragement for the deacon community and for anyone committed to the ministry of diakonia.

Silas S. Henderson,

Editor

F OREWORD

At various times in our lives, we have all had the experience of meeting someone whose demeanor, speech, or actions denoted a heart without joy. We often remember such encounters, long after they occurred, because something inside of us longs to find more in the persons with whom we live and work. Encountering a joyless heart often leaves us unsatisfied in our desire for spiritual companionship and diminishes our hope in times of struggle. Every joyless heart leaves us searching for more.

In contrast, a joyful person is life-giving and affirming of every human person, is attractive in spirit, and remains optimistic despite the challenges one faces. A person with a joyful heart is not a stranger to suffering, which remains part of every human life. Rather, a joyful persons experience of illness, suffering, or even death strengthens the joy that is within them. Such challenges reaffirm their deep belief that Gods love never fails.

For the Christian, the unfailing love of God is made manifest in the cross of Jesus Christthe birthplace of all joy. It is at the cross that we gaze upon a divine love that freely suffered for us and now stands in solidarity with every broken heart. Such joy is infectious and once caught, forever changes our lives.

Where can we find such joy in our world today? Among the many joyful persons we may have met, one man stands as a gift to the entire world. For believers and unbelievers alike, Pope Francis is a unique witness and advocate for joy.

Since the early days of his pontificate, our Holy Father Francis has challenged us to reclaim the good news of the Gospel and to allow that good news to heal shattered lives. He has given hope to countless people who wish to be part of a community of faith that will effectively live the message of the merciful and forgiving God whom they profess in words. He is an evangelist of hope who models true servant leadership and whose witness to joy has changed the Church and the world.

This book effectively highlights various aspects of Pope Francis ministry, particularly as it invites deacons to follow his joyful witness and become evangelists of hope. As men ordained to Sacred Orders and whose lives bring them into the larger marketplace, deacons and their wives are uniquely positioned and equipped to accompany Gods people in their spiritual search to encounter Gods love through servant leadership. In the same way that one may examine a beautiful diamond from many angles, each highlighting a different aspect of its beauty, so too this book illustrates different aspects of diaconal ministry, as understood through the prism of Pope Francis teaching and personal witness.

In an age where communities of faith are under attack for their relevance in our technological world, when people are becoming more isolated, where unbridled egos and personal blind spots often lead people to frustration and sin, this book gives all deacons a vivid reminder of what they are ordained to do: to serve in love and to give credible witness to the gift of joy.

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano,

Bishop of Bridgeport

C HAPTER I

Pope Francis: The New Evangelist

by Deacon Greg Kandra

Have you ever seen anything like this before?

That question kept coming to mind one evening in September of 2015, as I sat watching the extraordinary appearance of Pope Francis on a special edition of ABCs television program 20/20.

No pontiff had ever sat down for television cameras like this; none had ever taken questions from an audience in this manner, via live satellite; none had ever engaged the faithful in such a simple, direct, utterly disarming manner, and to such powerful effect. Throughout the hour, again and again many who stood to ask questions, or watched from their seats at three separate locations around the country, were overcome by tears. You sensed this wasnt just because of the emotion of the moment. It was also the realization that they were part of history.

Though it seemed to adhere to the conventions of popular programmingpart talk show, part town hall meetingthe program managed to avoid feeling overly familiar for one simple reason: it was the Pope! This just wasnt something you see every day. And this Pope, in particular, wasnt speaking the way we are used to hearing Popes speak. The pontiff spoke poignantly and passionately, as a pastor to his flock, about the necessity of courage, and the need for love, hope, and prayer. In one of the most improbable but thoughtful exchanges, he even talked about soccer.

That occurred when a 19-year-old named Ricardo Ortiz, a soccer player, brought up problems with poverty and immigration; Ricardo himself, it was explained, had to take care of his family after his father became sick. Ricardo was later denied a scholarship because he was not a U.S. citizen.

The Popes response, in part:

We are all responsible for everyone, and to help ourselves in the way that each one can Speaking in soccer terms, I would say that the match is played between friendship in society and enmity in society. Each one has to make a choice in his or her heart, and we have to help that choice to be made in the heart.